Nepal’s Monarchy Revival: Could It Join the Ranks of the UK, Spain, and Cambodia?

March 09, 2025 

The debate over the restoration of monarchy in Nepal has once again taken center stage. Former King Gyanendra Shah and pro-royalist factions are making what they call a “final attempt” to reinstate the monarchy. A massive demonstration is scheduled for Sunday, which could determine the future of Nepal’s governance. The success or failure of this movement will be revealed in the coming days.

Historically, there have been only three notable instances where monarchies were abolished and later reinstated— the United Kingdom, Spain, and Cambodia. Could Nepal be the fourth?

The United Kingdom: Monarchy Restored After 11 Years

In the mid-1600s, a power struggle between King Charles I and Parliament led to a civil war in England. The rebellion, led by Oliver Cromwell, resulted in Charles I being executed for treason on January 30, 1649. This marked the establishment of a republican government.

However, the republic lasted only 11 years. Discontent with the governance led to the monarchy’s restoration in 1660 when the executed king’s son, Charles II, was reinstated. This event, known as The Restoration, ensured that the British monarchy has remained intact since then.

Today, the British monarchy functions as a constitutional institution, separate from political affairs. The monarch serves as a ceremonial head of state while elected leaders manage the government. The British royal family also holds the unique distinction of being the ceremonial heads of 15 other nations, including Australia, New Zealand, and Canada.

Spain: Monarchy Restored After 49 Years

Spain’s monarchy was abolished in 1931 when King Alfonso XIII was deposed. The country fell under the control of General Francisco Franco, who ruled as a dictator. However, Franco amended the constitution in 1947, declaring that monarchy would be reinstated after his death.

In 1975, following Franco’s death, Spain restored its monarchy by appointing Alfonso XIII’s son, Prince Juan Carlos I, as king. Notably, King Juan Carlos I and Queen Sofia visited Nepal in 1987. In 2014, he abdicated the throne, passing it on to his son, King Felipe VI.

Cambodia: The Unique Case of Norodom Sihanouk

Cambodia holds a unique place in history as the only country where a monarch has alternated between being a king, a common citizen, a president, and once again a king.

Norodom Sihanouk first ascended to the throne in 1941 under French colonial rule. After leading Cambodia to independence in 1953, he remained king until he abdicated in 1955. Later, he served as the country’s head of state in different political roles, including as president.

However, when the Khmer Rouge took over Cambodia in 1975, he went into exile in China and North Korea. After the monarchy was reinstated in 1993, Sihanouk once again became king. He later stepped down in 2004, handing the throne to his son, King Norodom Sihamoni, before passing away in 2012.

Will Nepal Restore Its Monarchy?

Nepal abolished its monarchy in 2008 following the 2006 People’s Movement that overthrew King Gyanendra. Since then, Nepal has been a federal democratic republic. However, in recent years, support for the restoration of the monarchy has been growing among certain factions, arguing that a constitutional monarchy could provide stability amid political turmoil.

With the upcoming mass demonstration led by pro-monarchists, the question remains: Will Nepal follow the footsteps of the UK, Spain, and Cambodia, becoming the fourth nation in modern history to reinstate a monarchy? The coming days will be crucial in determining the country’s political future.